FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

1.	Do I have to come to you or can you come to me?

2.	What is it going to cost me to meet with you?

3.	What are my legal rights in this particular situation?

4.	What are my rights with my insurance company?

5.	Who pays my bills?

6.	I need treatment. What do I do?

1.	Do I have to come to you or can you come to me?
	You can do either. Often our potential clients have been hurt, so we often meet with them at home, sometimes before they are released from a hospital. We make every effort to make it convenient and to get as much information ahead of time so you can get your questions answered and make a decision about how you want to proceed while we are together.
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2.	What is it going to cost me to meet with you?
	To meet with us initially does not cost you anything. Our first consultation we keep to about 30-60 minutes, and that is a free consultation. If we decide to work together, our agreement requires that you pay us a portion of the settlement or trial verdict we obtain. This is usually between 30 and 40 percent depending on whether we have to go to trial or there are other expensive aspects to discovering what we need to know along the way. For instance, sometimes we need to have an expert reconstruct an accident scene or review copious medical records. We talk about this at the outset and as we go along. Our costs are paid back to us at the conclusion of your case too. We provide a very detailed authorization that lists all the expenses and we review that with you shortly before we receive money on your behalf. We take all of this seriously because we know that your time is valuable, and we have to decide very carefully how to spend our time and resources as well.
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3.	What are my legal rights in this particular situation?
	There are no two cases exactly alike, and there are many legal nuances. Something as seemingly inconsequential as what you say or do (beyond the obvious) could affect your rights in ways that can be either confusing or even not apparent to you, so coming to a qualified professional who specializes in your type of problem is critical. When we have the facts, we will provide you with an analysis of your position and give you options about how to proceed.
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4.	What are my rights with my insurance company?
	Your relationship with your insurance company is contractual so your policy is helpful in answering some questions. But again, the law changes, your policy becomes updated, etc. and you should have a qualified professional who is experienced in your type of problem review your circumstances and see how your contractual rights might be affected.
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5.	Who pays my bills?
	When you are hurt in an car crash, and you are covered for medical treatment, your own company will cover some of the costs at first. But then we review other possibilities, other coverages, such as what might be carried by the negligent driver, and numerous other types of potential coverages. Sometimes people have private medical coverage or health coverage through their employer that might pay too. But there are many dependencies about when and how much these different insurance policies cover, and we understand this maze extremely well.
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6.	I need treatment. What do I do?
	Go to the doctor. Find out what’s wrong, and get the treatment that the doctor recommends. Tell the doctor what happened and give the doctor as much information as possible.
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Testimonials

"Jerry and Michele helped me through a fight for compensation when I had been poisoned by food at a conference in Seattle. It took a long time, but they kept on working and learning. My co-workers and I finally accepted a settlement, but without Michele, in particular, I don’t know what would have happened."

Nancy F., Columbia Falls, MT

"I was badly injured and when I started to work with Jerry, I found that he knew legally what had to happen, but he also really tried to lift my spirits, encourage me over a long course of treatments, and I greatly appreciated his professionalism and kindnesses."

Barry C., Seattle, WA

"I liked that The Pearson Law Firm was family owned and run, it made me feel better, probably because I have my own family and it was nice to know they helped one another. I called the law firm because I tried to work things out with the insurance company for three years. I was badly hurt in a rear end car crash, that was not my fault. If I had known right after the accident that it would be so hard, I would have called the Pearsons right away."

Angie H., Puyallup, WA

"I talked to other firms, but when I met Michele, and talked to Heather, I knew I had the right team, finally. They have done everything they promised, and they are very professional."

Shawnee A., Kirkland, WA

"Jerry worked with me all the way up and through a long trial, which was successful because the jury realized that a defective product could have been made so it wouldn’t fail. I don’t know how we could have found a better lawyer, someone who is our lawyer for life."

John M., Everett, WA

"Michele was recommended to me just as she was finishing law school, and she and Jerry did a wonderful job on a case for my husband who became increasingly ill during the litigation, and then eventually died. That was many years ago, and I still recommend Michele and Jerry to anyone I know who needs legal help."

Betty H., now living in PA.

"My husband and I and the rest of our whole family thank you all for your professionalism, expertise, and all of the generous time you devoted to my case. A special thanks to Jerry who started this process, and allowed his staff to work far beyond what we expected. We will be indebted to you all forever."

Nita W., Seattle, WA